Obituaries:Delmer Ray Ferris(1958-2007)

December 18, 2007 12:00 am

Ferris ().

Delmer Ray Ferris was born on the night of September 23, 1958, at the Indian Hos-pital in Hoopa. He died peacefully in his home in the early morning of December 15, 2007, with his family at his side. He was 49 years old.

From the beginning, Delmer proved to be very talented and dedicated. He was capable of accomplishing anything he put his mind to. He developed a love for horses at a very early age, which later developed into his affinity to compete in rodeos, riding bareback and bulls and often taking home top honors. Throughout his schooling he was very athletic, participating in all sports. He was the recipient of many honors and awards for his athleticism.

At the tender age of 17 Delmer was involved in a vehicular accident that left him a quadriplegic. His quadriplegia burdened him with a heavy cross to bear. All that knew him would say he never complained.

Delmer was very generous and had a very caring heart. He led the rest of his life helping and providing for other people, primarily his elders whom he loved dearly. He also became more involved with his love for the outdoors and could often be found fishing, hunting, and cutting wood. He was very devoted to his Indian culture and was always seen at community events. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews and imparting to them his knowledge and love of sports.

Delmer was an inspiration to everyone that knew him for his strength and courage. He had many friends and it was not uncommon to see him visiting up and down the river communities.

Delmer suffered kidney and respiratory failure in April 2007. He was transferred to a long term acute care facility. After failed attempts at regaining his health he requested to return home to the mountains and rivers he loved. On December 13, 2007, he began to spend what would be his final days with his friends and family at his bedside.

Delmer is survived by his father and mother Mike and Barbara; his sister Lisa; his brothers Deacon and Boyd; his uncles Stanley Ferris, Glenn Moore, and Jim Lindgren; his aunts Dot Moore, Mable Colegrove, Kathy, Laura, and Jean Ferris, Patsy Arbuckle and Corinne Miguelena; as well as his nieces Brooke, Barbara, Lindsay, Darian, and Kiaunna, and his nephews, Mike, Dustin, and Logan, as well as numerous cousins and friends.

A special thank you to Delmer's two bros, Jon Matilton and Ed Keller for the numerous years of care they provided for him unselfishly and a thank you to his special friend Verla Jackson-Robbins. The family would also like to thank Dr. Eva Smith and Dr. Emmett Chase for their care provided throughout the years.

He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Carmen Gifford Logan and Adele V. Lindgren, and his grandfathers, Ulysses S. Ferris, Sr., Howard Logan, and Axel Lindgren, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Services will be held at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa, on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. with Juan Armand officiating. A wake will be held at the home of Mike and Barbara Ferris on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 18.

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